Pvt. George Leifler (CP 1182), National Museum of Health and Medicine

Description: Private George Leifler, Company A, 5th New York volunteers, who received a gunshot wound to his right leg during picket duty near Petersburg, Virginia on November 3rd, 1864. The wound became gangrenous and ulcerous, but was eventually treated. Attended by Dr. J.C. McKee. Caption reads: “Gunshot wound of leg. Gangrenous condition. Pvt. Geo. Leifler Co. A. 5th N.Y.”

History is on reverse: “Lincoln General Hospital. Washington, D.C., Jan 2, 1865. Ward 3, Bed 48,--Name, Geo. Leifler, Private, Co. A., 5th Regiment N.Y. Volunteers. Admitted to Hospital November 14, 1864. He received a gun-shot wound, on picket duty, in front of Petersburg, Virginia, November 3, 1864. Ball entering middle third of right leg posteriorly; exit upper third outer portion. On admission had a gangrenous ulcer at the point of entrance of ball which was attributed to neglect of dressing of wound. The point of exit healed. The wound presented a phagaedenic, dark, brown and reddish appearance with broken down tissue, discharging blackened ash-colored or degenerated pus. The parts were bestudded with red papillae at various points, with an evident tendency to granulation, but at the expiration of three or four hours they disappeared, and would arise at other points. The edges painful, puffed, and spongy, with crepitus for two inches around the wound, as if the parts were filled with air. Constitutionally suffering from inflammatory fever, loss of appetite, and very desponding. Stimulants, tonics, generous diet administered. Gangrene subdued by Nitric Acid. Dec. 13. Wound healthy and nearly healed. Photographed at Lincoln General Hospital. J.C. McKee, Ass’t Surgeon, U.S.A., in charge.”

Date: circa 1865

Photo ID: CP 1182

Source Collection: OHA 75: Contributed Photographs

Repository: National Museum of Health and Medicine, Otis Historical Archives